Chevrolet Caprice (Middle East)
As with previous models, the WM Caprice was exported to Middle East markets (including GCC countries of Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and the UAE) from 2007 to 2017, where it was marketed and sold under the Chevrolet brand. Chevrolet offered four different trim levels for the Caprice, all largely similar to the Australian models with some differences:
The Middle East-market Caprice was equipped with same engine and powertrain options as available in Australia, although the 3.6L V6 engine was removed from the lineup for the WM Series II update in 2011. The Caprice received all subsequent updates (WN and WN Series II) through to the end of Australian production. The Middle East region comprised the majority of Caprice exports outside of Australia.
- LS: Based largely on the Holden Statesman, but features halogen headlights and taillights, black plastic mirrors and door handles and 17-inch wheels. Front fog lights and chrome highlights on the bodywork are deleted. Interior has cloth seats, plastic steering wheel and the full entry-level VE Commodore Omega dashboard and head unit, with base Blaupunkt sound system.
- This base model trim was not available in Australia or New Zealand; its role there was fulfilled by the similarly specified VE Commodore Omega.
- LTZ: As LS, but gains fog lights, full Statesman 'Prestige' dashboard and head unit with woodgrain trim and leather-wrapped steering wheel, 18-inch alloy wheels and tri-zone climate control for rear passengers.
- SS: As LTZ, but gains projector headlights and LED taillights, brushed metal dashboard and interior trim, full Holden Caprice front bumper with fog lights, boot lip spoiler and an Impala badge on the bootlid in place of the Chevrolet badge.
- Royale: As LTZ, but gains projector headlights and LED taillights, headlight washers, leather seats with rear seat entertainment system, sunroof, reversing camera and premium Bose sound system. Features a chrome slatted grille and a Chevrolet bonnet ornament unique to this model.
Chevrolet Caprice PPV (United States)
The WM and WN Caprices were exported to the United States as the Chevrolet Caprice PPV (Police Patrol Vehicle) from 2011 to 2017. Unlike past US-market Caprices, the imported Caprice PPV was strictly police-only, and not offered by Chevrolet or otherwise legally available to the public as a new, untitled vehicle.[24][25] The PPV was initially available in two specification levels, both significantly decontented and downmarket compared to the Australian models:
The standard engine across the PPV range was the 6.0L L77 petrol V8; the 6.2L LS3 V8 from later Holden versions was never offered. The 3.6-litre LFX V6 petrol engine became available as an option from 2012 onwards.[26] The car enjoyed a positive reception in the US, with near perfect scores in an assessment by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and the only criticism being directed at over-cautious electronic stability control.
The Caprice PPV was updated to the new WN generation in 2014, now only available in the 9C1 trim level. In 2015, the PPV gained the reversing camera from the Holden Caprice.[27]
Buick Park Avenue (China)
The third-generation Buick Park Avenue was introduced in April 2007 for the Chinese market, based on the WM Caprice. It replaced the WL Caprice-based Buick Royaum. It is the only version of the Caprice that was not fully built in Australia by Holden; complete knock down kits were exported by Holden to China for local assembly by SAIC-GM.[29]
It was positioned as Buick's largest flagship luxury car, and was available in four trim levels: Flagship (旗舰型), Luxury (豪华型), Elite (精英型), Comfort (舒适型).
The Park Avenue shares a similar basic specification to the WM Caprice, but the local Chinese assembly allowed for more changes to be made. The interior gained an all-new Buick-designed dashboard with a new infotainment system, analog clock and woodgrain trim with chrome highlights. Heated front seats were added with rotating headrests, a closing lid was added to the centre cupholders and the electric window and mirror switches were relocated to the doors. The interior doors were redesigned to accommodate new air conditioning vents, a different, chromed and backlit handle design and expandable map pockets. An electric handbrake replaced the lever brake, and remote start functionality was added.
The back of the car featured the biggest change; a modified rear floor to accommodate electrically adjustable rear seats, with heating, ventilation and massage functions, and a large, folding middle seat centre console with seating controls and cupholders.
Daewoo Veritas (South Korea)
The Daewoo Veritas was introduced in South Korea in 2008, after showcasing a pre-production Daewoo L4X concept in 2007.[31] The Veritas is very close in specification to the Middle Eastern Chevrolet Caprice Royale, with a similar plain slatted grille and Daewoo hood ornament. However, in the back, the Veritas shares the Buick Park Avenue's electrically adjustable, heated and massaging back seats, along with the same flip-down centre console with seat controls, and the same single roof-mounted DVD screen fitted for rear seat entertainment.[32] The Veritas gained its own unique features not used on other Caprices, including an internal air purifier system, power-folding side mirrors and an extra bank of navigation and infotainment controls located near the shifter. The sole powertrain on offer was the 3.6-litre LFX V6, later upgraded to the direct injection LLT version in 2010.
The Veritas was discontinued in 2011, when the Daewoo brand was shuttered in Korea.
Bitter Vero (Germany)
In 2008, the small-scale German manufacturer Bitter launched the Vero, an imported, modified WM Caprice, after first showcasing it at the Geneva Motor Show. The Vero came standard with the 6.0L L98 V8 engine and was presented as a boutique luxury car. It featured a host of cosmetic changes, such as a unique brown leather interior and dashboard trim, heated front seats, B-shaped exhaust tips, new alloy wheels and a new front bumper & grille, with a droopsnoot bonnet treatment.
Only ten units were built; all were purchased and imported directly from Holden, via Erich Bitter's friendship with Holden's former managing director, Peter Hanenberger.[33] The Vero was sold in Germany for €121,975[34] and was discontinued in 2012.
